What is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Aseptic meningitis is typically caused by viral infections, such as enteroviruses (e.g., coxsackievirus, echovirus), herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, and others. These viruses can infect the meninges, leading to inflammation and symptoms of meningitis without the presence of bacteria. While bacterial meningitis is a serious and life-threatening condition, aseptic meningitis caused by viruses is usually less severe and has a better prognosis. Fungi and parasites are less common causes of meningitis compared to bacteria and viruses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: A) Habitat refers to the specific physical environment where an organism lives, including the biotic and abiotic factors present. While the habitat is important for an organism's survival, it does not encompass the specific role and interactions of the organism within the ecosystem. B) Niche refers to the specific role and position an organism occupies within an ecosystem, including its interactions with other organisms and its physical environment. This includes the organism's feeding habits, behavior, preferred habitat, and how it obtains resources. The niche of an organism is crucial in determining its impact on the ecosystem and its relationships with other species. C) Population refers to a group of individuals of the same species living in a specific area and interacting with each other. While populations play a role in ecosystems, they do not specifically describe the role and position of an individual organism within the ecosystem. D) Biome refers to a large geographical area characterized by its climate, fauna, and flora. It is a broader concept than niche, habitat, or population, focusing on the overall characteristics of the environment rather than the specific role of an individual organism.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the given redox reaction, I⁻ is gaining electrons to form Iâ‚‚, which means I⁻ is being reduced (undergoing reduction). On the other hand, Crâ‚‚O₇²â» is losing electrons to form Cr³âº, indicating that Crâ‚‚O₇²â» is being oxidized (undergoing oxidation). Therefore, I⁻ is the reducing agent and Crâ‚‚O₇²â» is the oxidizing agent. Choice A is incorrect because I⁻ is being reduced, not oxidized. Choice C is incorrect as both species cannot be oxidized in the same reaction. Choice D is incorrect as both species cannot be reduced in the same reaction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The abnormal buildup of plaque within the arterial walls.' Atherosclerosis is the process where plaque, consisting of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, accumulates within the arteries. This buildup can lead to the hardening and narrowing of arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially causing severe health issues like heart attacks and strokes. Choice B is incorrect because inflammation of the inner lining of blood vessels is known as vasculitis, not atherosclerosis. Choice C is incorrect as it describes an aneurysm, which is a dilation and weakening of a blood vessel wall, not atherosclerosis. Choice D is incorrect as it describes arteriosclerosis, a process of blood vessel wall thickening with age, which is different from atherosclerosis.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When ethanol (C₂H₅OH) reacts with sodium metal (Na), the product formed is Sodium ethoxide (C₂H₅ONa). This reaction is a classic example of a metal displacing hydrogen in an alcohol to form an alkoxide. In this specific case, sodium replaces the hydrogen in ethanol, resulting in the formation of sodium ethoxide. Choice A, Ethene (C₂H₄), is incorrect as it is a different compound formed from the dehydration of ethanol, not its reaction with sodium. Choice C, Ethane (C₂H₆), is incorrect as it is a saturated hydrocarbon, not the product of the reaction of ethanol with sodium metal. Choice D, Sodium acetate (CH₃COONa), is incorrect as it involves acetic acid, not ethanol, reacting with sodium to form the salt sodium acetate.